5 Keys to a Colts Victory Over Chargers

The Chargers have sustained big-time injuries to their offensive tackles. Starters Joe Alt (ankle), Rashawn Slater (torn patellar tendon - out for season), and now their backup right tackle, Trey Pipkins (knee), have all sustained significant injuries.

Due to this, Herbert is tied with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans for the most pressures absorbed (92). This means that names like Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis has a massive opportunity to overwhelm Herbert and force erratic play from the pocket.

Overcome Cornerback Injuries

The Colts' cornerback position has sustained an incredible amount of adversity through just six games. Before or early in the season, Indianapolis lost Justin Walley (ACL - out for season) and Jaylon Jones (hamstring - injured reserve) to injury. Following this, Kenny Moore II (Achilles) and Charvarius Ward (concussion) experienced setbacks.

Last week, despite nearly no depth, Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, and Chris Lammons helped the defense get the victory. But that was the Cardinals post Marvin Harrison Jr.'s concussion. If Moore and/or Ward can't play, those names must stop the three-headed monster of wideouts Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, and Ladd McConkey. That will truly show if Indy's backups can handle the starting light.

Heavily Involve Tyler Warren

The Chargers' linebackers have underwhelmed this season in pass coverage. The lowest prominent Pro Football Focus cover grade from the group is Troy Dye (47.9), with the highest being Daiyan Henley (53.7). This lack of coverage efficiency points to one man for the Colts: Tyler Warren.

Warren is only a rookie but has already emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Warren has secured five or more catches in half of his games and hasn't dipped under three, so the former Nittany Lion has a massive advantage in this one. Even if corners and safeties drape over him in coverage, he still has the upper hand. Expect to see a lot of 84 in the offense.

Matt Goncalves vs Teair Tart

Against the Cardinals, right guard Matt Goncalves had a brutal game in pass protection. Per Pro Football Focus, he had a horrific protection grade of 6.8. Goncalves also allowed five pressures and four hits to Daniel Jones. Now, Goncalves will face up against the monstrous Teair Tart.

Tart isn't a household name, but his on-field play speaks for itself. Tart has two tackles for loss, eight QB pressures, and a solid 75.3 pass-rushing mark on the season. Tart is far more deadly against the run, which Goncalves excelled at, but if the former third-rounder can't stop Tart, it will cause a multitude of issues in the run and pass game for Steichen's offense.

Unleash Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor is an every-week threat, but against the Chargers, it's especially true. Los Angeles is potent against passing attacks, ranking seventh in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,062) and sacks (16). However, they're vulnerable against the run, ranking 22nd in rushing yards allowed (745).

Indianapolis has the best running back in the league, and while Taylor averages 19.17 rushes and 3.33 catches per game, the Colts should give him even more opportunities against the Chargers. Taylor has looked every bit like the Offensive Player of the Year and will push to stay that way in Week 7.